2011 Minnesota Vikings Draft Needs
Written by Steve Janus
The Minnesota Vikings talked Brett Favre into one more season in hopes of making another run at the Super Bowl, but the Vikings stumbled out of the gates and never really had a chance of making the playoffs. Minnesota ended up finishing the season third in the NFC North at 6-10. Minnesota will try and get back in the playoff hunt under new head coach Leslie Frazier.
Minnesota didn’t do a whole lot to help themselves in the 2010 draft. They traded out of the first round and ended up picking corner Chris Cook and running back Toby Gerhart in the second round. While Gerhart did a nice job giving star running back Adrian Peterson a break when needed, Cook played in just six games before his season was ended with a knee injury. The Vikings will have to do a better job in the 2011 draft.
The Vikings hold the No. 12 pick and have seven picks total in the draft. Here is a look at the five positions the Vikings need to target this year. Find out who we have the Vikings taking in the first round in our 2011 NFL Mock draft.
Quarterback: With Favre more than likely done for good and Tavaris Jackson expected to test the free agent market, Minnesota’s top candidate on their current roster is converted wide out Joe Webb. Odds are the Vikings won’t put their trust in Webb. There doesn’t figure to be a quarterback on the board worth taking at No. 12. While I expect the Vikings to try and add a quarterback in free agency, I also look for them to spend a pick on this position in the draft. There’s a chance Arkansas’ Ryan Mallet, Florida States’ Christian Ponder, or TCU’s Andy Dalton could still be on the board when the Vikings are on the clock in the second round.
Offensive Tackle: I fully expect the Vikings to try and land a starting left tackle with their first round pick. Current left tackle Bryant McKinnie is better suited on the right side, which would allow them to move Phil Loadholt inside at one of the guard spots. If USC’s Tyron Smith falls to them at No. 12, I think that will be the Vikings choice. If Smith is gone look for them to take a shot on Anthony Castonzo out of Boston College.
Safety: The Vikings need to try and find some help at safety. They haven’t had a solid starter since Darren Sharper. There isn’t a safety worth taking in the first round. If UCLA’s Rahim Moore falls to them in the second, they might end up passing on a quarterback and locking up the highest rated safety in this year’s safety class.
Cornerback: The Vikings have struggled to find a starting corner to play opposite of Antoine Winfield. They had hoped Cook would be able to fill the void, but his knee troubles are a huge concern. Look for the Vikings to at least add some depth at this position at some point in the draft.
Defensive Line: Not long ago the Vikings front four was considered to be the best in football, but this unit started to show its age last year. Defensive tackle Pat Williams and defensive end Ray Edwards are both free agents and there is a possibility both won’t be back. The defensive end class is extremely strong this year. If the Vikings decide there isn’t a tackle worth taking, look for them to take one of the top ends available at No. 12.
Individual NFL Team Mock Drafts
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